AL Design Educator
Alberto Leonardo is a multidisciplinary designer and educator whose teaching merges creativity and human-centered design with an emphasis on concept development.
- Teaching & industry experience: since ’09
- Multilingual & multicultural background
- Head of Graphic Department (BA Hons)
- Project management and guidance
- Art Direction
- Multidisciplinary: Art, jewelry design…
- Holistic approach
Alberto Leonardo is a design educator with a strong international background, dedicated to helping students connect ideas, tools, and context in meaningful ways. With extensive experience teaching and coordinating in higher education and design schools, he approaches the classroom as a studio-lab where critical thinking, experimentation, and craftsmanship coexist. His lessons weave together theory and practice, encouraging students to understand not only how to design, but why their visual decisions matter.
Having guided cohorts of graphic and fashion design students through projects that range from branding to product and digital media, he places special emphasis on process, reflection, and collaboration. Alberto understands education as a holistic experience: mentoring, workshops, and real-world collaborations with practitioners and institutions all become part of the learning journey. In this way, he aims to cultivate designers who are technically skilled, conceptually rigorous, and conscious of the cultural and social impact of their work.
Read below what my students have to say about me:
What is it like learning with me:
I had the privilege of being taught and mentored by Alberto Leonardo, in 2022-2024, during my 3-year BA in Graphic Design and Media. Throughout my studies, he stood out not only for his extensive expertise and professionalism, but also for the genuine interest he took in all of his students. As a teacher, he was deeply inspiring and encouraging, while always offering clear and constructive feedback and challenging us to grow as designers.
I am truly grateful for the guidance, support, and the inspiration he provided throughout my studies. I would wholeheartedly recommend Alberto Leonardo as an exceptional educator, mentor, and leader.
Alberto was my design tutor at the Marbella Design Academy from 2017 to 2019, during my BA in Graphic Design & Media. Alberto's knowledge and design background provided a great learning experience. He is also a very talented designer, which provided a strong foundation for learning.
His ability to switch easily between media and styles is likely due to a previous career in advertising. His skills complemented his lectures, ultimately making the classes engaging. Alberto is also one of the kindest and most genuine people, and I was lucky to have him throughout my design degree.
Alberto was a truly inspiring professor who made learning graphic design both meaningful and enjoyable. He was always approachable, thoughtful, and supportive, and his good humor and positive energy made the classroom feel comfortable and fun, even on busy or challenging submission days.
His passion for graphic design and genuine care for his students progress made his classes both memorable and motivating.
Alberto is an incredibly caring and inspiring design tutor who wholeheartedly guides each of his students individually. His combination of professionalism, interdisciplinary knowledge and a thoughtful sense of humor creates an environment that builds confidence, curiosity and strong design judgment.
I am truly grateful for everything Alberto taught me through the years, beyond graphic design!
Alberto was one of my first design tutors and set a strong foundation in design principles and discipline. He emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting design rules while encouraging exploration within those boundaries.
His guidance fostered independence in my studies and helped me develop my own niche in design, leaving a lasting influence on my continued growth as a designer.
I remember the first day I visited the academy, when Alberto welcomed me with genuine enthusiasm. That same enthusiasm stayed with him throughout my three years of study, all the way to graduation. He showed real interest in my work, not simply as part of his role as a teacher, but because of a clear passion for what he does.
Even when my design projects were a bit wild or ambitious, Alberto consistently encouraged me to push my ideas further and challenge myself creatively. I always felt supported to explore how far I could take my concepts, both technically and conceptually.
When I think back on my university years, I remember Alberto as a dedicated, positive, and deeply engaged teacher who truly cared about the development and well-being of his students. During my studies, I was dealing with some personal challenges, yet I still looked forward to attending classes and felt motivated by Alberto and his colleagues.
Today, I work full-time as a graphic designer, and much of the foundation I rely on was built during my time at university, thanks to teachers like Alberto.
David Wadström
Designer | Sweden
